Just gonna through this out there FWIW. I see you live in MI. so I would sugest caution using the e brake when it is wet and temperature will drop below freezing. I have had brakes freeze before(but on OLD vehicles). Just something else to consider.
Also, as it has not been used in a while there is almost certainly some rust build up in there. To clean off the drum surface try applying the e brake slowly while driving slowly (in a parking lot etc.) you should be able to feel or possibly even hear the difference as the brake drags.

2002 Trooper S 5spd, cone filter, Ranchos, Modified for 2WL